Fourthstream - Finding Hope

What am I looking for right now? What is it that is not working? In what ways am I disillusioned? Hungry? Thirsty. Fearful? At peace?

THIS IS BIG: How do hope, fear, and faith overlap?

√ Where does true hope originate? It is a supernatural gift given by God.

√ In what ways does fear kill hope? We are predisposed (our human nature) to choosing fear - which consumes our hope.

√ In what ways does faith unlock personal peace of mind?

There is a time-tested and quite effective mechanism for people to find hope. It can help settle fears, find clarity, and stimulate freedom for an honest, transparent, and hopeful heart.

First:

√ The idea that all religions are the same or equal is simply false. Jesus' Kingdom has proven to have come from God - century after century.

√ The thought that Christianity was Jesus' religion of choice is simply inaccurate. His devotion was Father-centric.

√ Finding hope goes much deeper than achieving happiness. Hope imagines an amazing destination - and counts on God to bring us safely home.

Jesus said to (Thomas), "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father as well; from now on through Me you know Him, and have seen Him." - John 14:6-7

Because the Son was at the Father's side when the world was created, their plan for arrival on earth in human form brings three very important things together. If we know how we are going (the Way Jesus walked) and wish to have genuine success in getting there (via the Truth) then we will experience (the Life) - which is the prize of the entire God Story. Genesis 1 is the account of the unfolding of all life. The Revelation prophecy explains how Jesus (our Creator and Judge and Savior) will bring the gift of a return to the Garden of God (Paradise).

It is not so much that we need to find our way to God but rather our eyes must be opened to the fact that God is actively pursuing us. The Father, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit are working together to bring about our personal experience of finding our way back to our true identities - as sons and daughters of God Most High.

In speaking with Zaccheus (a hated tax collector) in Luke 19 Jesus says, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, (Zaccheus) is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." All sons of Adam and Eve (humanity) and of Abraham and Sarah (Hebrews) are LOST.

The Way has little to do with religion and everything to do with walking the path and example of how Jesus walked. He showed us our way through love - and this perfect love overcomes fear. 1 John 4:18 makes this plain: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love throws out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (perfected: brought to life) Walking the Jesus' Way casts out fear.

It is common for people to say "that's just your truth." In God's realm there is only One Truth, and it is in this realm we live - despite our words and perspectives. This truth is written in what is made (Psalm 19), in the person of Jesus Himself (Colossians 1), and through disclosure of the Word of God through the Holy Spirit (John 14:21; Hebrews 1:1-4).

According to Paul we are all gifted with life (Acts 17:22-31). And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17) This is why we must be born a second time.

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (first time) and the Spirit (second time) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

This is not a merely a clever religious or church metaphor. It comes from the mouth of Jesus - God's Son. It runs deeper than any identifying platitude - and it cuts to the heart of finding life that will never end. That is something worth looking for. Does it overlap with your current journey thoughts? What are you looking for right now? Hope? Faith? Direction?

Dave and Burnadette and friends

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

There are reasons Jesus uses this descriptive analogy. If we are to find God we must do so through God's wind - His Holy Spirit. This God Story thread begins in Genesis 1:1,2 and completes in Revelation 22:17.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters."

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Music: listen here

Between these two "bookends" the work of His Holy Spirit is seen in every word and every chapter of His God Story. Here are just a few things about the Spirit:

In Isaiah 11:2 we find that Jesus is the wisdom of God. "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."

In Matthew 3:11 (after we are told how Mary conceived Jesus in Matthew 1:18) John the Baptist explains how we will be impacted: "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

When Jesus speaks with the Jewish leader Nicodemus He blows his mind:

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?" John 3:1-10

Amazing.

You may wish to acquaint yourself well with chapter 5 of the book of Revelation regarding "the wind." "I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

Consider:

√ The Spirit of God was there when Jesus was conceived.

√ The Spirit was upon Him when He was teaching in the temple at age twelve.

√ The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted.

√ Jesus gave the Spirit to His followers (and the world) at Pentecost (Acts 1)

When you and I have our eyes opened through Jesus it by the Spirit of grace:

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:15-18

Does this make sense to you? Is this how you are learning to live?

Singing the Song of the Wind with you, Dave and Burnadette

More: A Cool Song: The Song of the Wind The Wind

Our God IS Shelter! Under Shelter courses you will find five different yet integrated paths for growing in the depth of God's Shelter. There are videos and notes featuring the authors/teachers at Storiesofshelter.com. To join this community click on the join button.

1. 19 Principles: The Heart of What Jesus Taught His FollowersSome of the most central teachings of Jesus - both for personal growth and helping others.

2. God's Man/God's Woman: Making It CountFinding the integrated teaching of Jesus on men and women building the Kingdom of Heaven together.

3. Strong Home Legacy: Leaving Your Mark On The WorldA deep dive into what God (Who IS family) teaches us about family honor and satisfaction.

4. Jesus As Healer: Living A Life of Spiritual FreedomHow we can live a life of freedom rather than bondage to fear, anger, lies, and uncertainty.

5. Over/Next: Help When People Suffer LossWhen the worst happens what do we do? Over/Next brings real solutions to the most painful things in our lives.

Here are links to other Fourthstream classrooms you may find helpful:

The God Story The Kingdom Deeper

Other Kingdom podcast seasons include:

S1 Spacious Places

S2 The War

S3 Turbulence in Imperfection

S4 Kingdom Core: 19 Principles

S5 God's Man/God's Woman: Making It Count

We can never reach the depths of the Living God, but we can swim in some pretty nourishing waters!

Also included is a list of some excellent foundational books.

Dave and Burnadette

More: Perfect!

Jesus instructed His followers (disciples) to make disciples just as He did. Let's break this down a bit. This comes from Matthew 28:16-20.

#1. "But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated." It is important to note that Jesus remained on earth 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1: 3). "To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God." 40 Days. Hundreds and even thousands of eyewitnesses assembled by Luke the doctor! There was no doubt in the eyes of His followers that an explosion was occurring. There was much work to be done by His disciples and followers who would join them in the wake of this once-of-a-kind event. Note what Paul said about this: "After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep (died)..." (1 Corinthians 15:6) The evidence for a resurrected Jesus was massive. And He keeps popping up.

#2. "When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful." Think what this must have been like for these simple fishermen. Each day for four years they were acclimating to literally the most amazing things that ever had or ever would occur on the earth. This is represented for so many others in the words of the disciple Thomas: "So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25) "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying,

#3. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." Jesus is saying He is here bringing the authority given Him by His Father. This is more than the founding of a massively impactful religion. It is the authority of God unleashed into generations through thousands of years until He returns. Huge. If the Father's authority is sufficient to raise the dead perhaps it is unlimited, right? And when we walk in Jesus we walk in the Father's authority.

#4. "Because of this go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." We are to do as He has done. And more than this, we are to do it alongside His example and in the power of His Spirit. We share the yoke of our Kingdom load with Jesus Himself. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) So the authority is His. The example is His. He calls us to follow in His steps.

#5. "... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Jesus is not asking His followers to go it alone. We have Him. We have each other. And through His Spirit we have His strength and His presence. "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." What more can our great God do for us?!

Being a disciple is a beautiful thing. Joining Him in making disciples through our own lives is a privilege of expansive proportions. Think about it! "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.' " Luke 19:17

√ Are you all in? Do you feel worthy? √ Do you know what you need to know? Do you feel able? √ Are you prepared to give everything for the sake of this call? Are you overcoming distractions?

Following the Shepherd right along with you, Dave and Burnadette

More: Making Kingdom Disciples Fourthstream Discipleship

The entire Bible has been given to us so we may know God, understand a life of God- honor, and live in a manner "worthy" of the One Who created us. Six times in the letters the words "manner worthy" are used to describe the walk of a God follower. It means we honor God (As well as ourselves) by placing honorable weight upon our great God. Let's think through what Paul taught the Philippians in 3:1-21. It will help illuminate the concept of the call to knowing God. This carries on the conversation about Engage Training from the last episode. Useful to us for sure!

"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you." Paul had been around the block both as a Jew and as a follower of Jesus. While he understood many complicated things (check out the letter to the Romans) he always returned to the heart of the Gospel. He speaks about this in every letter! So to have a "knowing God" mechanism to focus him in the wild events of his everyday crazy was a "safeguard" for him - and all who follow Jesus.

He does not mince words on the challenges: "Beware of the dogs (those who oppress others for personal benefit), beware of the evil workers (those who devise evil plans without regard for either human or God value), and beware of the false circumcision (Jews who live in hypocrisy related to the Word of God); for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Crazy right? He then goes through his spiritual pedigree: "Although I myself might have confidence even in my flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless." Dang. This man is certified and dangerous. He is not bragging, of course, but setting up a contrast.

(3:7-11) "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." We don't have enough time here to unpack this, but Knowing Him and His power is what made this wild man tick. And by wild, we mean wild at heart.

So, Paul's goal for the Philippians was the same as he had for himself. √ What is your God-mechanism for staying connected to God? (3:1-6) √ In what ways are you able to discern between "dogs" and "evil workers?" (7-11) √ What ways and at what levels do you value "knowing God?"

Paul pauses to add some clarity. This is not merely about attaining but also about pursuing! (12-15)

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become "perfect" (to complete the journey of faith), but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained."

√ Again - it is ALL about the upward call to knowing God.

Paul returns to the dicey nature of our journey in verses 17-21.

"Brothers, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have seen in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose 1) end is destruction, 2) whose god is their appetite, and 3) whose glory is in their shame, 4) who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has to subject all things to Himself."

Boom! We pursue knowing Him now because our coming conformity with His glory is unimaginable to us in our present state. So Paul is describing a spiritual reality we can pursue to find satisfying meaning in our quickly unfolding lives. And it is so much more than sitting in a pew!

Knowing God is the goal of Kingdom spirituality. Know the King. Embrace Kingdom living (as He and His followers define again and again). And BE His loving and spotless Bride. For our Day will come. Let's finish strong!

Episode 1: First King - Then Kingdom - Then Church Episode 2: What is the Kingdom to You? Episode 3: Finding Hope Podcasts Episode 4: Kingdom Structural Episode 5: Stories of Shelter Episode 6: Strategies for Weekly Connectivity Episode 7: Kingdom Coaching Exploratory Episode 8: Strategic Plan 1/Cultivating Deeper Episode 9: Strategic Plan 2/Jesus Centric Episode 10: Strategic Plan 3/Engage Training Episode 11: The Call to Knowing God Episode 12: The Call to Make Disciples Episode 13: Some Excellent Kingdom Books Episode 14: Song of the Wind

How do we know we are knowing God? √ Based upon our knowledge of the Words He has given us in the God Story √ Based upon our reflective connection and obedience to what He has proclaimed true √ Confidence in our own non-religious heart of devotion to Him

Like our friend Brent says: "Fortis Perago" - let's finish strong - in the knowledge of God Most High!

Dave and Burnadette

The Kingdom In The Gospels: Book The Kingdom Conversation: More

When Jesus announced His Kingdom He began to select a group of men and women who would follow Him by pursuing the example He had shown them and the Words from His Father He had communicated. This included a number of things reflected in the amazing display of "God coming near" (Immanuel) to save humanity from futility (our lives counting for nothing) and judgment for falling short of the image we were created to honor and multiply within each of our lives. Here are some of the threads Jesus taught in the word and works of His hands:

√ Integrating what they knew or did not know about connectivity with Creator God. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15) Jesus spent much time explaining what knowing and pleasing the Father looked like.

√ Facing who Jesus was with humility, honor, and resolve. "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24) "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6,7) "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30) We are God's kingdom seeds in the world.

√ Embracing the same "why" He was tasked with when sent to earth by His Father. "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:13-14)

√ Leaving our "nets" and choosing to follow Him. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." (Matthew 4:19-22) There is so much which captures our attention and imagination in a life time. Fishing for men really should be very prominent.

√ Engaging in the hard work of the Kingdom. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore fervently ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38) "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Paul in Acts 20:34-35) Jesus calls this putting our hand to the plow: But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:22

√ Persevering faithfully (though imperfectly) to the end. "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (1 Timothy 4:16) This is all about value. If we VALUE Who He IS and what He has DONE for us, we will honor Him over and over.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

√ Looking forward to the reward His Father holds for all who serve Him in word and deed. Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." (Matthew 19:27-30)

There have been many great things written about what it means to engage as a disciple of the Kingdom. We began to sort through these things years ago and landed on what we call "Engage Training." We have taken the teachings of Jesus and the encounters and experiences of His disciples and contemplated them organically and systematically to provide an approach to being a "scribe" of the Kingdom. This allows one to participate in the work and glory of God, and most of all to hear the words "well done."

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23

Jesus invites us into what He and His Father are doing. So cool. John 5:17: But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." (John 5:1-47 deserves to be read and absorbed concerning His words in John 5)

Time invested in working through the Engage Training course will reap huge benefits in the days ahead! Here is the link: 25 conversations about becoming and living as a disciple of the Kingdom.

If you wish to discuss this and tailor your own plan, reach out at [email protected]. Peace upon your heart and soul! Dave and Burnadette

This diagram tracks the recurring woven threads throughout God's Word (over 62,000 connections!). As you consider your personal strategic plan for spirituality we have considered:

√ King First - then Kingdom - then Church/what Jesus taught about spirituality

√ Cultivating Deeper/skills for unlocking the Word

Today we discuss the big picture on the Word of God, and what we like to call Jesus-Centric. What this means is that the entire Bible revolves around the person Jesus. Genesis 1-11 and the human story. Genesis 12-52 and God's choice of Abraham (Israel) to redeem the nations through Messiah (Savior, satisfaction for our sin, and Son of the Living God). Through the words of Moses (imperfect deliverer and the one who encountered Yahweh within the burning bush) - Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Then we add the conquest via Joshua, the Judges and Ruth, and the Kings and the prophets.

400 years of silence and then the appearance of King Yeshua (Jesus) and His Kingdom which was finally "at hand." Next the launching of the Church who would be prepared through the centuries to eventually become the spotless Bride of Christ. The letters (Acts - Revelation) give us encouragement and perspective, as well as representing the clear realities of who we are to be and where we are headed.

Jesus Centric is an academic and experiential journey through the One Woven Story. From such pursuit we learn to allow the Bible to interpret itself. NOWHERE in either the old or new testaments are they called the old and new testaments. This is often transposed with the old and new covenants found in Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; and Hebrews 8:8,13; 9:15; 12:24. This is a perfect example of one of the woven threads we are talking about, and a classic example of exceeding what is written. There are not two stories. Only one.

How many people do you know who have consulted the Word of God apart from religious pursuit? Many people have read through the Bible, but in our experience fewer have reasoned through the Bible. The Word of God is true. It is clear. It is supernaturally connective. Jesus Centric is 28 study episodes which help you make use of the entire God Story as backdrop for your personal spirituality, and to help others make sense out of their own journeys.

Even as you read this there is a slim chance you will be one of whom Jesus calls a scribe of the Kingdom - but you CAN BE!

And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." (Matthew 13:52)

√ A scribe is motivated to understand and apply truth. √ A head of a household steps into his or her spirituality. √ What is treasure new and old?

Let's find out! Dave and Burnadette Nadler

If you wish to discuss this and come up with your own plan, reach out at [email protected]

Finding our first King - then Kingdom - then Church balance is important for our spirituality. Obviously we have given this much thought, but you should investigate this yourself. Our purpose for pursuing this was to make sure we were prioritizing how we invested our time, our talents (gifts), and our treasures (resources).

Having an effective and growing strategic plan for spiritual life it is imperative to set markers which come from the Word of God you can use as your compass throughout your journey. We've tweaked this allot through the years, but having a plan for cultivating deeper is key. Deeper can simply be defined as where we go in God. Because our Creator is unlimited we have plenty of room to go deeper, and this begins with finding our own Word compass. This is the intent of most spiritual training (church programs, Bible schools, and seminary training). It is interesting that the Jews were well educated at the time of Jesus, and yet here is what is said about His disciples (after Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended to Heaven):

"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

√ What were the observations about the disciples? √ What was their primary qualifier? √ How does this differ from men and women who want to follow Him in discipleship as well?

It seems that "being with" Jesus is what fuels Kingdom spirituality.

This is why we have churches, schools, and seminaries. It is why as they grew up the Jews were taught Torah (the Law and prophets and the Psalms), and then for life decisions as they came into adulthood. The religious leaders were all trained this way, yet Jesus' conflict with them far exceeded His issues with Roman rulers.

This leads us to the conclusion that what made Jesus' disciples effective for the Kingdom was predicated upon His Father being with Him. How can we duplicate such a growth environment? It seems we must dedicate a significant part of who we are to being "with" Him. This means we MUST go DEEPER into His Word to develop the kind of connectivity that is empowered by the relationship we have described in previous podcast sessions: through His Son Jesus, His Word, and through His Holy Spirit. This is the ultimate "God honor."

To design a deeper plan for your spirituality you must include significant dedication to knowing the Word of God and allowing the Bible to interpret itself. When we learn to follow and consult the woven threads of scripture there is little wiggle room regarding proper interpretation (which addresses the "that's just your interpretation" argument). This means a "scribe of the Kingdom" must not only be motivated but also learn and apply skills which allow best interpretation based upon original intent of language and context. Such context is both immediate (the chapter and book or letter in which you are reading) and panoramic, in that we take into account the context of the entire Word of God on a particular thread (such as obedience, faith, sin, hope, Jesus, the future, etc). Make sense?

If you have a desire to grow and hone such skills we offer a course in the Fourthstream nav bar titled Deeper. It comes with a number of video teachings and a workbook to allow this to happen for you, and to prepare you to help others do the same. We often refer to this process:

Encounter the Reference/take the time and have a plan. Expose the Meaning/flow, words, context, and intent. Enlighten Your Heart/What did it mean to them/what does it mean to you?

Once you have completed this course feel free to reach out at [email protected] with any questions, observations, or strategic conversations.

Here is the link to the course. You can print a pdf guide for free or order a printed booklet. The video teachings are in the section links within the course.

Enjoy the adventure! You won't regret it. Dave and Burnadette

There are many ways of being mentored in spirituality. While this may come from significant people in our lives, books we read or study, favorite music et al, I have found that the Spirit is Jesus' voice inside of me is the most substantial. He is always ready to teach me and shape me and lead me in the direction Jesus wants for me.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you." John 16:13-15

And then there is this:

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with (connection) longings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He prays before the Father for the holy ones according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27

So - mentoring is guiding in helpful ways which lead us to becoming the selves God has made us to be, and coaching is having an experienced voice in my corner, always teaching, inviting and encouraging me toward "the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Which will always result in the best me.

FOURTHSTREAM LEARNING & COACHING

We have experience and knowledge for understanding the Kingdom life Jesus taught and lived. King first - then Kingdom - then Church. This is the Jesus model for honor and success in the eyes of His Father.

Our Finding Hope Podcast connects you each week with encouraging focus and usable resources. You can watch weekly on our on-line community Storiesofshelter.com as well as at Fourthstream.com. We study and process over 600 podcasts and teachings which you may find to be quite helpful in your personal process. We offer several options of intensity.

√ Our Finding Hope podcasts post each Tuesday. Here we select an aspect of Kingdom living and review what the woven threads of the Word of God have to say about it. These podcasts are available without subscription and can be found anywhere you make your podcast choices, or on the homepage at Fourthstream.com or Storiesofshelter.com. We follow up each Friday with study notes when you opt in to our weekly Friday e-mails. And our on-line Storiesofshelter.com community associates you with others who are pursuing Shelter from the King of the universe. These are offered for free.

√ Our monthly membership gives you access to a forum for asking questions about the Bible and the Kingdom, whether you are new to following Jesus or well down the road. Join up and reach out with questions, thoughts, and advice on the issues of your life. We also host a members bi-monthly Zoom discussion forum where we dive into pertinent conversations as we strive to go where Jesus wants us to go. Sign up at $30 per month.

√ We also connect individually with a number of motivated people each month either personally or via Zoom per proximity or availability. It gives you a feedback loop on what you re processing in your spiritual life.

1) we help you assess your spiritual desires in context of your current circumstances

2) we help you design your personal plan for living deeper

3) together we implement a strategy that moves you step by step to where you want to be

4) and we also offer our Storiesofshelter.com community where you can access hopeful interaction

This kicks off with a no-cost 30 minute call to determine options and fit.

You can inquire at [email protected].

So:

√ Our Finding Hope Podcast provides regular connection for your personal goals.

√ Our Fourthstream.com teaching Courses provide your personally designed systematic backdrop to become a disciple of Jesus' Kingdom.

√ Our Storiesofshelter.com community allows you to process your spirituality with others.

Soon our X and Telegram groups will enhance your interactions with other like-minded people.

Welcome to Fourthstream Coaching.

We think you're going to like it!

Dave and Burnadette and the Team

It is one thing to understand the concept of First King - then Kingdom - then Church, but another to live a life directed toward connection with your King. The first thing is to decide where you stand on Jesus. A great teacher? One of many unremarkable religionists? Someone into whose hands you can place the welfare of your soul? We can talk about what Jesus taught about authentic connectivity, but only you can intentionally embrace whether or not He is who He said He is.

Once you have made this determination you may then move into what it means to submit yourself to His authority, embrace and build His Kingdom, and grow as your part of the "pure spotless Bride" preparing for the wedding feast which will surely come. It would be great if this was a one-time thing, but faith requires we make this decision to pursue and connect again and again. Here are a few things we have learned - they may be helpful to you.

#1. Decide you are going to continue in His Word. "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." - John 8:31,32 It takes caring intentionality to produce honor of any kind. When it comes to Jesus we must constantly assess personal value. What He has done and what He has taught - what do they mean to you as life priorities?

#2. Determine to spend your life moving beyond the distractions which press upon each phase of life. "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to shared expression of love for one another, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42 This is quite simply choosing to live the way Jesus lived. It does not come naturally or easily to any son of Adam. Focus is both a personal prize and friend to spirituality.

#3. Learn to make your conversations with God genuine and honoring rather than shallow and/or boring. Some people call this praying. We prefer to call it connecting - body, soul, and spirit. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 Deep friendship does not just happen. It is reciprocal. It is faithful. It grows gradually through many years and the journey testings of life. It is a good idea before anything else in your day to ask Jesus "what is it you want me to know today, and what is it you want me to do?" (Winship)

#4. Plan each week with aspirations of connection to Jesus Himself, His Father, and Spirit directed friendships with others that fuel your heart. Who will you reach out to personally? Who will initiate with you? What are your plans for doing the "sacrifices" of God? "And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16 If your main goal is connection He will honor your desire. This is why He says

"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." Cool. John 15:15

#5. Pursue your own spiritual rhythm and fine-tune it and recommit to it again and again. Where does solitude fit in for you? In what ways do you use your spiritual gifting to build up others? In what ways do you feel you are planting and cultivating Kingdom seeds? How are you influencing your part of the world?

And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:52 Do you know what this means? What does it look like in your life and the lives of others around you?

#6. Prepare your heart to be faithful to Jesus no matter what. You will try and fail. Sometimes you will succeed. You will need to hit restart over and over. You must have the wisdom and courage to "come boldly to the throne of grace to find mercy in your time of need." While true obedience results in honor, personal perfection will never occur. The whole point of the Gospel is that Jesus comes alongside us to do what we cannot do alone. This is deep. Do you understand it? "Come to Me, all who are weary and weighed down, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Living strategically right alongside you, Dave and Burnadette

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